Business

Supporting Businesses, Creating Jobs, Fuelling Growth

A strong economy, vibrant business landscape, and thriving tourism sector are key to Ireland’s future. Fine Gael is committed to creating jobs, driving innovation, and positioning Ireland as a global leader. In a complex world, we focus on stability, clear regulations, and strategic infrastructure to keep Ireland competitive and attractive for investment, fostering sustainable growth that benefits businesses, families, and communities nationwide.

Fine Gael will back businesses by providing more certainty and by reducing costs. Businesses need a government that helps when it is needed and gets out of the way when it is not needed.

To create a thriving, resilient and supportive environment for Irish business leaders and enterprises we are committed to:

Keeping taxes low and stable to fuel growth and empower businesses.
Creating clear, predictable regulations that inspire confidence and enable planning.
Championing SMEs by requiring all government bodies to assess the impact of new laws on small and medium businesses.
Driving balanced regional development to unlock potential across all of Ireland.
Igniting entrepreneurship and social innovation to bring fresh solutions to our communities.
Strengthening both multinational and homegrown exporters, positioning Ireland as a global leader.
Accelerating green and digital transformation to build a sustainable and future-ready economy.

Since Fine Gael entered government in 2011, nearly 900,000 more people are now at work – a 47% increase that speaks to what can be done when Government can support the strength, vision, and resilience of Ireland’s business leaders. We listened to your needs, supported your ambitions, and empowered you to drive growth and opportunity across our country. Together, we have fostered a thriving job market and a resilient economy.

Building on this success, we remain committed to full employment, creating an additional 300,000 jobs, and ensuring that Ireland’s economic growth benefits both workers and employers. Our goal is a future where opportunity reaches every community and where Ireland’s businesses continue to lead and inspire on the global stage.

Fine Gael will continue to support, encourage, and build on the progress we’ve achieved together. We are committed to not only sustaining but turbocharging a business-friendly ecosystem, with a range of bold new initiatives that strengthen opportunities and drive future growth.

Our Three-Point
Package for Business

Fine Gael will boost business cash flow through a three-point package:

Temporary PRSI Rebate: This three-year PRSI rebate, based on the number of lower-earning employees, is designed to reward businesses for creating jobs and providing fair wages. By reducing payroll taxes, we empower businesses to reinvest in their teams, grow their operations, and improve job security for workers, particularly for those in entry-level or lower-wage positions. This temporary rebate reflects our commitment to fostering job creation and supporting businesses as they grow.

Permanent VAT Reduction: Lowering the VAT rate from 13.5% to 11% for essential services like food, entertainment, and hairdressing will give businesses room to invest in their quality and offerings. This reduction helps these sectors stay competitive, attract more customers, and keep costs reasonable. It’s a permanent measure to support long-term growth and make Ireland a welcoming, attractive destination for both residents and visitors, stimulating local economies in the process.

Energy+ Grant Scheme: With energy costs rising, small retail and hospitality businesses need extra support. Our Energy+ scheme will provide €4,000 in direct assistance to 50,000 small businesses to cover essential energy expenses. This funding helps safeguard these businesses from volatility, enabling them to operate sustainably, maintain fair pricing, and secure jobs in the communities they serve.

In addition to this three-point package, Fine Gael will:

Minimise Compliance Costs: By streamlining reporting to essential data only, and providing digital tools for compliance, we reduce unnecessary administrative burdens, freeing up time and resources that businesses can redirect toward innovation and growth. A business-friendly environment is one where compliance is easy, not excessive, allowing businesses to focus on what they do best.
Phase in New Requirements Thoughtfully: We will ensure that all new legal or regulatory requirements are rolled out in a planned, phased manner, giving businesses ample time to adapt. This approach avoids sudden disruptions and allows businesses to prepare effectively, creating a stable environment that encourages investment and long-term planning.
Expand Access to Grants: Supporting businesses in accessing grants for digitalisation and sustainability initiatives helps them future-proof their operations and align with Ireland’s environmental goals. We’re committed to helping businesses thrive in the digital age and making green transitions accessible and affordable.
Ensure a Skilled Workforce: By enhancing on-the-job training and apprenticeship opportunities, we address the skills gap and meet industry needs for a capable workforce. This support builds a talent pipeline, boosts employee productivity, and ensures businesses can grow with skilled professionals.
Provide Staff Training Grants: Covering loss of earnings for SMEs during employee training makes workforce development feasible for smaller businesses. This initiative helps businesses enhance skills without financial strain, creating a culture of lifelong learning and growth that benefits workers and employers alike.
Assist with Apprenticeship Costs: Reducing expenses related to apprenticeships and offering financial aid for upskilling initiatives eases the burden on businesses investing in talent. This strengthens Ireland’s skill base and gives businesses the support needed to compete in the global market.

Supporting the Hospitality and Retail Industries

Fine Gael recognises the unique challenges hospitality and retail businesses face, and we are committed to creating a thriving, supportive environment for them:

Enhance Cash Flow Support: By reducing VAT to 11% permanently, we support all hospitality and retail businesses, boosting their capacity to serve more customers and sustain operations. Through Energy+ grants and the PRSI rebate scheme, we prioritise small businesses, ensuring they can continue delivering services to local communities.
Tackle Retail Crime: Proactive measures to reduce shoplifting and retail crime protect both businesses and communities. When businesses feel secure, they can operate without fear of loss or disruption, promoting a vibrant and safe shopping environment for everyone.
Establish Covered Walkways: Weather-resistant ‘over-the-street’ roofs encourage foot traffic even in adverse weather, benefiting local businesses and enhancing urban spaces. This initiative boosts local economies by attracting more people to retail areas year-round, no matter the weather.
Promote ‘Over-the-Shop’ Premises Repurposing: By encouraging the conversion of over-the-shop spaces into usable areas, we maximise urban potential, provide more housing and business options, and stimulate local economies. This approach brings life to underused spaces, making towns and cities more dynamic.
Modernise Licensing Laws: Outdated licensing laws can stifle growth. By updating them, we enable businesses to operate efficiently and innovate in response to changing customer preferences, ensuring Irish hospitality and retail sectors remain competitive.

Supporting Workers

A thriving business ecosystem relies on the dedication and satisfaction of its workers. Addressing the needs of workers—such as fair pay, education and upskilling opportunities, and recognition for their contributions—is essential for any thriving enterprise.

Fine Gael will

Boost Workforce Participation for Marginalised Groups: Providing opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged individuals improves inclusivity in the workforce, making our economy more diverse and vibrant while empowering individuals.
Develop a Hiring Code for Autism: Establishing fair and supportive hiring practices for workers with autism promotes a more inclusive workplace, allowing individuals with unique skills to contribute effectively.
Increase Female Board Representation: Boosting female representation on boards creates a more balanced decision-making environment, benefiting business performance. We will raise the target from 40% to ensure Ireland remains aligned with international gender balance norms.
Introduce Bereavement Leave: Statutory bereavement leave provides essential support for workers during difficult times, helping retain compassionate and fair workplace practices.

Competitiveness

Fine Gael’s Action Plan for Competitiveness will lay the foundation for a resilient economy.

Fine Gael will

Review Business Grants and Incentives: By offering the services sector the same support as manufacturing and retail, we drive equal opportunities across industries, enabling all sectors to thrive.
Enhance Data Security Frameworks: Strong data security is crucial for business integrity and customer trust. We’re committed to establishing robust protections to safeguard Ireland’s reputation in the digital economy.
Participate in EU Projects: Increasing involvement in European projects (IPCEI) allows Irish businesses to access funding and partnerships that enhance competitiveness and productivity
Support AI Innovation and Adoption: To position Ireland at the forefront of technological advancement, we will support AI development and adoption across all sectors. This commitment will drive productivity, streamline operations, and create high-value jobs, establishing Ireland as a leader in cutting-edge technology ready for the next wave of global investment and indigenous growth. By fostering AI research, funding innovation, and encouraging ethical AI practices, we empower businesses to harness new efficiencies responsibly, benefiting both the economy and society.

Social Entrepreneurship

Fine Gael recognises that social enterprises play a crucial role in both social and economic development:

Provide Adequate Support for Social Enterprises: Ensuring these organisations have resources to grow supports community well-being, creating social value and economic benefits.
Establish a Forum for Social Entrepreneurs: A dedicated forum will enable social entrepreneurs to share ideas and address community needs innovatively, making a positive impact across Ireland.

Supporting Ireland’s Entrepreneurs and Start-Ups

We believe entrepreneurs are the backbone of innovation.

Fine Gael will

Create a National Start-Up Campus: A hub for start-ups provides essential resources and networking opportunities, driving innovation and job creation.
Establish a Unitised Venture Fund: This fund provides start-ups with the capital needed to scale, empowering more entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life.
Mandate Pension Fund Investment in SMEs: By directing pension funds towards SMEs, we unlock vital capital, helping small businesses grow and thrive while offering diversified investment opportunities.
Support the Irish Stock Exchange: We’re committed to strengthening the Irish Stock Exchange, providing Irish businesses with greater access to capital and fostering a robust financial ecosystem.
Ensure Funding for Microfinance Ireland: Continued funding for Microfinance Ireland ensures small businesses and start-ups can access essential financing, driving local growth and job creation.
Simplify and Modernise Investment Policies: Streamlining investment policies will create a more accessible and attractive environment for investors, making it easier for businesses to secure the funding they need to succeed.

Helping Irish Companies Scale Globally and Securing FDI

Fine Gael is committed to strengthening Ireland’s global presence:

Increase Large Irish Exporters by 50% by 2030: Growing the number of large Irish exporters strengthens our economy, creating jobs, boosting revenue, and elevating Ireland’s global standing. This ambitious target will solidify our position in international markets, driving sustainable growth.
Add 2,500 New Irish-Owned Exporters by 2030: By encouraging more Irish-owned companies to export, we’re enhancing Ireland’s economic resilience and opening doors to new markets. This increase in exporters diversifies our economy and strengthens local businesses’ competitive edge abroad.
Collaborate with IDA Ireland to Spread Foreign Direct Investment Nationwide: Working closely with IDA Ireland, we aim to attract foreign direct investment to all regions, ensuring balanced economic growth that benefits communities across the country.
Fund Five New Cluster Organisations: Supporting clusters of interconnected businesses fuels innovation and collaboration, particularly in high-potential sectors, fostering environments that drive export growth and competitiveness on a global scale.

Powering Enterprise

Our focus on energy and infrastructure ensures Ireland’s economy is future-ready:

Launch an Energy Plan for 2030: Our energy plan will provide businesses with the stability they need to invest, grow, and lead in renewable energy, securing Ireland’s green future.
Strengthen Port Infrastructure: Upgraded ports will position Ireland as a leader in offshore renewable energy, boosting high-value jobs and clean energy exports.
Deliver Green Energy Industrial Parks: Dedicated industrial parks for sustainable businesses will attract green investment, foster innovation, and drive low-carbon growth.
Reduce Tax on HVO: Lowering tax on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) encourages cleaner fuel adoption, supporting carbon reduction and cost-effective green transitions.

When combined, these commitments provide a powerful roadmap to future-proof Ireland’s economy, safeguard jobs, and strengthen resilience against economic challenges. By supporting businesses with lower taxes, targeted grants, and streamlined regulations, we are creating an environment where Irish enterprises—from small family-owned shops to major exporters—can thrive.

Our focus on skills development, inclusive hiring practices, and workforce support ensures that businesses have access to a diverse, capable, and motivated talent pool, prepared to drive innovation and growth. Through targeted investments in green energy, digital transformation, and regional development, we are positioning Ireland as a leader in sustainability and technology, reducing dependency on volatile global markets and enhancing long-term stability.

With a renewed commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, easing the path for social enterprises, and expanding support for start-ups and Irish exporters, Fine Gael is laying the groundwork for a vibrant, adaptable economy that will create jobs, boost local communities, and increase Ireland’s global presence. These initiatives not only create the conditions for today’s businesses to succeed but also prepare our economy to withstand future challenges, ensuring that Ireland remains a place where businesses, workers, and communities can thrive, now and for generations to come.

Fine Gael Business and Enterprise Timeline

2012-2018 – Launched the groundbreaking Action Plan for Jobs, creating over 345,000 new jobs and transforming Ireland’s employment landscape.

2013 – Successfully renegotiated the EU-IMF bailout, restoring financial sovereignty and strengthening Ireland’s fiscal future.

2015 – Introduced the Earned Income Tax Credit

2015-2019 – Spearheaded unprecedented economic growth, making Ireland the fastest-growing economy in Europe and solidifying our position on the global stage.

2017 – Extended crucial Treatment Benefits and Invalidity Pension schemes to include the self-employed.

2018-2024 – Provided €370m in funding to over 100 collaborations between SMEs and research bodies through the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund

2019 – Rolled out the Future Growth Loan Scheme

2019 – Introduced nine Regional Enterprise Plans to drive growth

2019 – Expanded Jobseeker’s Benefit to the self-employed, ensuring a safety net for entrepreneurs and independent workers.

2020-2022 – COVID-19 – Provided €10.6 billion in funding to protect employers and workers through the challenges of the pandemic.

2020 – Established a dedicated Cabinet Committee on Insurance Reform to implement a new Action Plan on Insurance.

2021 – Introduced the Brexit Impact Loan Scheme and the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID-19, helping businesses navigate two historic challenges.

2021 – Started a new Small Companies Administrative Rescue Process (SCARP) to provide a cheaper alternative to examinership.

2022 – Launched the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) to help businesses manage.

2022 – Commenced the new Corporate Enforcement Agency to tackle white collar crime.

2023 – Introduced the Credit Guarantee Scheme, offering reduced-cost loans to businesses impacted by Russia’s war in Ukraine, showing solidarity and support for affected sectors.

2023 – Launched the Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme.

2024 – Introduced the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) Scheme to assist businesses with rising costs, keeping enterprises competitive and resilient.

2024 – Achieved a historic milestone with record employment levels of 2.7 million, including an all-time high female employment rate of 61.4%, showcasing Ireland’s inclusive and thriving economy.

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